Gig Harbor’s Deborah Krishnadasan Appointed to Democratic State Senate Seat

It was nearly standing room only at the Red Barn Youth Center in Lakebay Dec. 11 for a joint session of the Kitsap Board of Commissioners and the Pierce County Council to appoint Democrat Deborah Krishnadasan of Gig Harbor to represent the 26th district in the Washington State Legislature.

The former Peninsula School District board director and longtime public education advocate follows outgoing Sen. Emily Randall (D-26th, Port Orchard), who resigned her seat after being elected in November 2024 to represent the 6th congressional district in Congress.

State law requires vacancies be filled by the same political party as the legislator who vacated the seat.

The 26th Legislative District Democrats met with precinct captains Dec. 8 to interview three candidates for the position: Rene Hernandez Greenfield, Deborah Krishnadasan and Laurel Kingsbury, who later withdrew her name. Precinct captains in the 26th recommended Hernandez Greenfield for the seat.

During the Dec. 11 joint session, the two candidates were asked the same six questions, followed by public comment where Krishnadasan received overwhelming support.

After an executive session, Council Member Robyn Denson (D-7th) moved to appoint Krishnadasan. The resolution passed after some discussion.

“We have two candidates with great experience, so this is a very difficult decision,” said Pierce County Council Chair Ryan Mello (D-4th). “I think Deborah is going to be able to hit the ground running and serve this very diverse district in the 26th that not only bridges two counties but a couple of different school districts with a very diverse population.”